Head of Sector for Project and Process Management (Parental Leave Cover)

Tätigkeitsprofil:

The European Centre of Excellence for Civilian Crisis Management e.V. (CoE) is looking for a Head of Sector for Project and Process Management (f/m/div) in full-time as a parental leave cover. The position is foreseen to be filled ideally by 11th May 2026 until 30th June 2027, with a possible extension. The place of work is Berlin, however, travel within the EU may be necessary occasionally.

The CoE is a member-based association founded in February 2020. Created following an invitation from the German Federal Foreign Office to all European Union (EU) Member States (MS), the CoE focuses on enhancing capabilities (national systems, structures and processes) to strengthen civilian crisis management within the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).

The Centre is a service provider, supporting its 25 current members (EU MS) and working closely with the European External Action Service (EEAS), its Preferred Partner, in implementing their commitments under the Civilian CSDP Compact: 1.) Providing tailored, expert advice to members to help them address specific challenges, so they can strengthen their national capabilities and better contribute to EU civilian crisis management. This includes the facilitation of thematic working groups amongst EU MS - so-called “NIP Clusters”, as set out in the Civilian CSDP Compact; 2.) Offering an informal platform to MS and Preferred Partners - outside of formal configurations – to openly discuss key issues relevant to enhancing the EU’s civilian crisis management; 3.) Facilitating the exchange of good practices, with CoE analysis and advice, to promote mutual learning amongst members and develop concrete ideas and practices to enhance European civilian crisis management.

Two Heads of Sector/Strategic Coordinators with distinct portfolios are coordinating the CoE’s operations. One Head of Sector/Strategic Coordinator is responsible for project and process management in the realm of the CoE’s operations, and another Head of Sector/Strategic Coordinator is responsible for political content and focus management in the realm of the CoE’s operations.

Under the direct supervision of the Director and as a member of the Senior Management Team, the Head of Sector for Project and Process Management focuses on workflows and internal processes and maintains a strong link to internal CoE-knowledge management. More tangibly, the Head of Sector is responsible for:

1. Support to the Director on internal project and process management at the CoE, including monitoring and evaluation,
2. Coordinating the operational work of the CoE together with the Head of Sector for Political Content and Focus Management,
3. Process management for the preparation of the annual work programme and operational budget of the CoE,
4. Conception, management and moderation of planning processes (e.g. annual planning day and follow-up processes),
5. Coordination of the CoE’s operational framework with internal colleagues and key partners,
6. Advising and guiding colleagues across the organisation in planning activities and embedding them in the overall context of the CoE's work,
7. Supporting and advising the Director on the targeted allocation of budgets for the CoE's operational areas of work,
8. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of project and process management, including developing the logframe,
9. Line management responsibility for the event manager, the knowledge management team, and one political assistant,
10. Other assignments as appropriate.

Anforderungsprofil:

Required profile and qualifications:

• Minimum 7 years’ experience and proven expertise in project management and operational work and coordination of work processes, including in a supervisory role
• Proven budget management experience and knowledge of monitoring and evaluation frameworks would be an advantage
• Experience in working in a national administration environment or an international organization, think-tank, NGO etc. would be a strong asset
• Master's degree in project management, business administration, organisational development, political science, or equivalent degree in a related field
• Cultural sensitivity and awareness, discretion, and a diplomatic approach
• Proven experience working with Microsoft 365
• Outstanding team-work and practical problem-solving skills
• Ability to serve the needs of diverse stakeholders within an international member-based organisation
• Excellent command of written and oral English and ability to present complex issues orally and in writing
• General knowledge of European policy issues, especially (civilian) CSDP, is an advantage
• Willingness to travel within Europe if required
• Ability and readiness to acknowledge aspects of gender equality in the execution of tasks.

For this position, previous project management experience at EU or Member State level would be an advantage.

Our offer:

• A responsible position dealing with interesting and topical European policy issues in a dynamic, international team
• 30 days’ annual leave, 24 and 31 December are non-working days
• State of the art equipment and spacious, wheelchair-accessible office in the heart of Berlin
• Options for remote work (currently two days per week) as well as flexitime around core hours
• Options for vocational training
• The CoE is a recipient of funding from the DE Federal Government, and the non-discrimination rule (Besserstellungsverbot) applies in relation to comparable federal employees. The CoE is not bound by collective agreements. Remuneration is based on the collective agreement for the public sector (TVöD Bund) as the upper limit. The maximum pay grade for this position is E13/1-2 and is contingent on qualifications and relevant professional experience. It is non-negotiable.

We value diversity and therefore expressly welcome all applications - regardless of cultural, social or ethnic origin, gender, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual identity. People with severe disabilities and people of equal status are given preferential consideration in the case of equal suitability in accordance with the legal requirements.

Please note that a valid work permit for Germany is a prerequisite to be considered for the position.

Your application (in English) should include the following documents and evidence:

• Letter of motivation (max. 1 page) answering the following two questions:

1. What is your motivation for applying to join the CoE and how does working for CoE align with your career goals?

   (max. 300 words)

2. Why are you applying for this specific position and what skills and experience will you bring to the role?

   (max. 300 words)

• Curriculum vitae
• University degree certificate (and proof of recognition in Germany, if applicable)
• Work or internship references and further evidence such as language certificates or, alternatively, well-founded statements on the knowledge and competences mentioned in the job profile

Please submit your application using the online application form on our website under www.coe-civ.eu/about/opportunities by 16:00 (CET) on 20 March 2026 at the latest. Only applications submitted via the online application system will be considered.

If you have any questions about the position, please address all your enquiries exclusively to: application@coe-civ.eu